Disgraced U.S. Gen. David Petraeus broke his silence in a chat with HLN’s Kyra Phillips Thursday, and the journalist recapped the chat in a phone interview with HLN’s Morning Express Thursday to give a glimpse into the embattled leader’s thoughts during the personal and professional crisis.

Phillips said the main points she culled from the discussion was that Petraeus never passed classified information on to Paula Broadwell,” and that his resignation had nothing to do with his reluctance to testify about September’s attack Benghazi, Libya that left four Americans dead.

Phillips said Petraeus was contrite about the affair, so “he sought to do the honorable thing in response and that was to come forward” and admit to the infidelity.

“He was very clear that he screwed up terribly – it was all his fault – even that he felt fortunate to have a wife who is far better than he deserves,” Phillips said. “Obviously, he’s taking it really hard. He knows he made a big mistake. He does want to move forward making things work with his family.

Phillips said the story won’t be complete until Broadwell – whom she’s heard “is an aggressive woman … who works her magic” – gives her statement on the situation.

“Not taking Petraeus off the hook at all, but there are two people, obviously, in this situation,” Phillips said. “He is saying it’s all his fault. But it’s important to see that there is another person involved. And we hope to hear from her as well, and her side.”

“He was the head of the CIA … you’re in charge of classified information of the most secret things in this country and across the world. And you have to be an individual that is upstanding, that has ethics, that is honest in every part of your life.

“And I think that he knew he could not continue in that position after what he had done.”